I’m a field employment manager at the Mill Creek job site, which is a coal-burning power plant in Louisville, Ky., where Zachry is installing air quality control system equipment.

I’ve been in Kentucky for three years. This is the largest project I’ve ever been assigned to, and the longest. After about six months, I was promoted from senior recruiter to field employment manager. This position presented me with the opportunity to train and develop others in positions I was very familiar with, a responsibility I truly enjoy.

I started working for Zachry close to my hometown in Florida nine years ago as an employment representative. Zachry was my first “real” job. My duties included assisting applicants, hosting new hire orientations and completing various pre-employment requirements. My supervisor, Oscar Martinez, explained my position as “the face of Zachry,” a description that has never left my mind. I had to make sure I was professional and dedicated to my position, as I would provide the first impression many people would have of our project and company. I have carried that vision with me from job to job, representing both myself and Zachry as well as I possibly could.

My parents raised me to have a strong work ethic, also reminding me that first impressions last a lifetime. I’m thankful to have a supportive family and a significant other who push me to my full potential and encourage me to take advantage of ALL opportunities—even moving far away from home. The support I receive from my family and coworkers has allowed me to quickly adapt and overcome the challenges put in front of me.

Mill Creek is my fifth project with Zachry and my first in a management position. I’m always eager to take my career to the next level. I felt as if I had already mastered the fundamentals of recruiting and the employment process, so it was time to share that same knowledge and experience with my direct reports. Being a manager is a rewarding position filled with lessons learned. My duties include managing day-to-day office operations, planning, tracking/reporting our progress and ensuring my team prioritizes hiring needs so that the project can be successfully staffed.

I’ve invested a lot in Zachry and they’ve done the same in return. I feel they take a personal interest in my career and in my personal development. I’ve learned so much—from craft workers to corporate managers, everyone has taught me something. Although there may be future opportunities for me within the organization, I don’t see myself anywhere but Employee Relations.

I value the positive relationships and trust I build with the craft workers and my co-workers. They say if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life and that is why I AM ZACHRY.

 

To read more I AM ZACHRY articles, you can find other editions of the Force Report here.